Boasting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
boasting
[หbษสstษชล ]
Definitions
self-praise
Talking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.
Synonyms
boastful, bragging, braggy, showing off.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| boasting |
Used when someone proudly talks about their achievements or possessions. Typically implies some level of excessive pride but not always considered negative.
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| bragging |
Similar to boasting but often perceived as more annoying or egotistical. This word typically carries a more negative connotation.
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| showing off |
Used to describe someone who flaunts their abilities or possessions to gain admiration or attention. This phrase can be negative, especially if the behavior is seen as unnecessary or annoying.
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| boastful |
Describes a person who frequently boasts. This word carries a negative connotation, suggesting the person is overly proud or arrogant.
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| braggy |
An informal way to describe someone who is bragging. This term often carries a playful or mildly negative tone, usually used in casual situations.
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Examples of usage
- He couldn't stop boasting about his new car.
- She was boasting about how many followers she had on social media.
- The candidate kept boasting about his success in the previous elections.
self-praise
Excessive pride or self-satisfaction in one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.
Synonyms
boastfulness, bragging, swaggering, vaunting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| boasting |
Used when someone talks too proudly about their own achievements or possessions. It is often perceived negatively.
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| bragging |
Similar to boasting but often used in a more informal or colloquial setting. It carries a negative connotation.
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| vaunting |
A more formal or literary term used to describe boastful behavior, often with a sense of grandeur or exaggeration.
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| swaggering |
Usually describes someone who walks or behaves with an air of self-importance or arrogance. It can refer to physical demeanor as well as speech.
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| boastfulness |
Describes the trait or behavior of frequently boasting. It is usually viewed as an undesirable characteristic.
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Examples of usage
- His boasting about his wealth made him unpopular among his friends.
- She couldn't stand his constant boasting about his academic achievements.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Perception
- In some cultures, boasting is frowned upon as it goes against values of humility and modesty.
- Conversely, in certain contexts like competitive sports, a little boasting can be part of the excitement and motivation.
- Social media has amplified boasting, with people often sharing their achievements and possessions online.
Psychology
- People may boast to boost their self-esteem or to receive validation from others.
- Studies show that boasting can be linked to insecurity; individuals may feel the need to prove their worth.
- Over time, excessive boasting can lead to social isolation as others might find it off-putting.
Literature
- Boasting has appeared in many classic tales, such as Beowulf, where characters often brag about their feats in battle.
- In Shakespeareโs plays, boasting is often used to highlight a character's vanity or flaws.
- The theme of boasting and its consequences is common in fables and moral stories, teaching lessons about humility.
Everyday Usage
- Common phrases include 'boasting rights' and 'don't boast', reflecting societal attitudes toward bragging.
- Boasting can happen in casual conversations, job interviews, or even during casual storytelling.
- The line between sharing achievements and boasting can be thin; context matters.
Origin of 'boasting'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'boast' comes from the Middle English 'bosten' which means to brag or to claim.
- It is thought to have roots in the Old Norse word 'bรณsta', which also means to speak loudly or to brag.
- Boasting has been around since ancient times, often appearing in literature and speeches.
The word 'boasting' originated from the Old Norse word 'boast' which means 'to praise oneself'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the act of talking with excessive pride about one's achievements. The concept of boasting can be traced back to ancient times when warriors would boast about their victories in battle. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass any form of self-praise or self-satisfaction.
See also: boast, boaster, boastful, boastfully, boastfulness.